I’m pretty sure we don’t fully comprehend all that Jesus did by coming to earth, dying, and rising again. If we really and truly grasped the totality of His work, it would radically change us. Take, for example, a simple brief verse from the book of Hebrews.

“For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14)

That verse is referring to us, you and me. We are the ones who are being sanctified. The NIV phrases it as “those who are being made holy.” You and I are being conformed, more and more, into His likeness. (Romans 8:29, Ephesians 1:4)

Yet, just prior to that phrase, it says that Jesus “has perfected for all time…” Has perfected. We’re being sanctified, but we’re already – past tense – made perfect.

In the first verse of this same chapter, we are told that the law and the animal sacrifices couldn’t make us perfect. It’s true. They couldn’t. But Jesus did it through His death and resurrection. We are, right now, perfect. In God’s sight, you and I are perfect.

That’s a hard idea to grasp. I still see my flaws. I know how easily I am tempted toward areas of sin. I live in a body that often seems to have a stronger push toward wrong than right. Yet, according to the eternal Word of God, Jesus has already perfected me for all time.

And, by the way, He did the same for you, too. It was the perfect Christmas gift!